Summary: In Mongols We Trust

Summary: In Mongols We Trust

• Mongolia has become a “libertarian” state under the guidance and protection of the United States and with significant American and Western European assistance.  Mongolia is the U.S.’s most reliable strategic partner in the region; it provides diplomatic and military support and permits the U.S. to use Mongolian territory for various military facilities and purposes.   There are movements for even closer integration and the adoption of even more American symbols.
• Mongolia developed  along these lines by being America’s completely reliable ally through a series of Asian military crises in the post-9/11 world.  Mongolia’s contribution resulted in massive and sustained American assistance in return.    The U.S. continues to support Mongolia, as a role model for other countries and because of its strategic position in Central Asia.
• Mongolia’s contribution to this transformation was to embrace free trade and liberal economic policies.  Taxes were lowered, especially for business and investments.  Free trade agreements were signed all round.   The Mongolian private sector grew rapidly.   Many westerners serve as advisors, even CEO, to business, as well as in advisory positions in government.   Major Mongolian companies are diversified, well-run and listed on foreign stick exchanges.
• Russia and China are not delighted by developments in Mongolia.  Russia has little clout, especially after the US intervened to negotiate a discounted buy-out of Mongolia’s debt.  China is still the largest exporter of commodity goods to Mongolia and China controls most of the cashmere market.  Most regional projects, strengthening Mongolia-Russia-China integration, have been delayed or cancelled in favor of cooperation through more global (and western-oriented) arrangements.    Mongolians watch carefully to see how US-China relations evolve, since this will affect them deeply.
• Mongolia’s openness has led to the influx and transit of drugs and Mongolians have developed serious domestic problems, as well as problems with international criminal elements.  Mongolian nationalists are upset about the loss of traditional practices and values.
• Mongolia’s environment has suffered from urbanization and desertification.  Foreign assistance is merely retarding Mongolia’s “environmental collapse”.
• Gochoo, Bumaa and the family are nowhere to be found in this scenario.  Perhaps they are in New York.